The CSNR is designing an instrumented platform that can acquire detailed data at hundreds of locations during its 10 year lifetime - a Mars Hopper. By accumulating thermal power from a radioisotope source, the platform will be able to “hop” from one location to the next every 2-3 days with a separa

Mars: Not Phobos and Deimos.
Satellites: Galilean satellites, Titan, and the other satellites of the giant planets.

A consensus vision of a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission concept is presented, reflecting the integration of multiple recent community-based planning discussions. It summarizes the current state of thought regarding the science goals that would be best addressed by samples returned from Mars.

The importance of (Noachian) impact craters as windows to the sub-surface and as potential hosts of life

The paper demonstrated the research that can be done in small craters punctuating larger Noachian craters. Topics include: small craters as natural drills, impact-generated hydrothermal systems and lakes in Noachian craters, and the ecological niches created by them.

Groundbreaking Sample Return from Mars: The Next Giant Leap in Understanding the Red Planet

The purpose of this white paper is to urge consideration of a groundbreaking sample return from Mars from a previously well characterized site that requires a simple mission architecture to minimize cost and engineering risk, while gaining substantial scientific return.

Trace gases are a sensitive indicator of current martian activity, whether photochemical or biogeochemical. A Trace Gas Mission measuring atmospheric composition, circulation and state, and locating active sources would characterize this activity and its implications for climate and astrobiology.

Technology is described which is well developed and on a path for space. This technology could be used in Mars orbit to provide a global climatology of wind and relative dust as a function of location and altitude.

I heartfully indicate the support on the sample return mission from Mars, and the indispensable facilities in laboratories. Because the sample return mission is the keys of essential problems for Planetary Science.

Near-Infrared imaging spectroscopy of the surface of Mars at meter-scales to constrain the geological origin of hydrous alteration products, identify candidate sites and samples for future in-situ and sample return missions, and guide rover operations

Near-infrared imaging spectrometers capable of mapping hydrous minerals on the surface of Mars at meter-scales from orbit, as well as hypespectral NIR imagers on landed rovers not only enhance the scientific return of orbital and rover missions, but will be critical in guiding future rover operation

Tumbleweeds are lightweight, highly configurable and inexpensive wind-driven vehicles that could enable long-range surveys of the surface of Mars. Their analytical capabilities can be optimized for measurements for astrobiology or in situ resources over relatively large swaths of terrain.

Seeking Signs of Life on Mars: In Situ Investigations as Prerequisites to Sample Return Missions

We argue for deployment of increasingly sophisticated in situ techniques to definitively identify biomarkers before engaging in Mars Sample Return. We focus on "following the nitrogen," using techniques such as micro capillary electrophoresis to identify and determine the chirality of primary amines

Global information on martian near-surface features and physical properties represents a great untapped aspect of the search for habitable zones and evidence of past climate. Imaging radar measurements can penetrate several meters of mantling material and 10’s of meters into ice.

A process for identifying candidate landing sites for future missions should be started and accompanied by creation of funding to support landing site characterization activities. NASA should provide resources to existing missions to enable these activities and consider including instruments for sit

The Value of Landed Meteorological Investigations on Mars: The Next Advance for Climate Science

Major advances in the understanding of the present and past Mars climate system are most likely to be accomplished by in situ meteorological surface measurements operating from both a network configuration and individual stations.

Mars Exploration 2016-2032: Rationale and Principles for a Strategic Program

The Mars Exploration Program, one of the most visible and dynamic elements of NASA space science, is at a crossroads. To ensure a robust future it must embrace the related goals of life and sample return, and must begin to bridge the historical gap between robotic and human exploration.

This white paper describes a potential rover mission to Mars, with the name Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C) that could be launched in 2018. The mission would conduct high-priority in situ science and make concrete steps towards the potential future return of martian samples to Earth.

This white paper focuses on enabling technologies for several candidate concepts for future Mars missions. These missions are described in MEPAG position white papers developed for the decadal survey. The technologies, their current status, and their approximate costs and schedules are described.

Martian soil is a microcosm of the mineralogical history of the planet, and it exerts a primary influence on atmospheric, geological, and periglacial properties. We propose an increased emphasis on microanalysis in future Mars surface exploration.

Next Steps in Mars Polar Science: In Situ Subsurface Exploration of the North Polar Layered Deposits

The polar regions of Mars represent a unique environment for determining the mechanisms of martian climate change over geological time. Using terrestrial paleoclimatology methods, subsurface access to the polar layer deposits should be a high priority for future Mars exploration.

This paper addresses the exploration of the martian atmosphere, and focuses on broad atmospheric science goals that can be obtained from orbit. It presents the key questions in atmospheric science that remain unanswered, and what progress can be made towards answering them in the coming decade.

These documents have been prepared in coordination with the National Academies of Science in support of the National Academies Planetary Science Decadal Survey. These documents are being made available for information purposes only, and any views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of NASA, JPL, or the California Institute of Technology.